VS
At a Glance
Power
191hp @ 6100
228hp @ 6000
Torque
181lb-ft @ 4000
243lb-ft @ 1600
Fuel
26 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Towing
3500lbs
3500lbs
Engine
2.5 L/152ci
2.4 L/146ci
Choosing between the Hyundai Santa Cruz and the Toyota Tacoma is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Hyundai Santa Cruz delivers 191hp @ 6100 while the Toyota Tacoma produces 228hp @ 6000. On fuel, the Santa Cruz returns 26 mpg est. while the Tacoma uses 22 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $29,750 for the Santa Cruz and $32,445 for the Tacoma. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Hyundai Santa CruzSEL Activity FWD 2026 - From $29,750
Toyota TacomaSR XtraCab 6' Bed AT (Natl) 2026 - From $32,445
Performance
Power Output (hp)
191hp @ 6100
228hp @ 6000
Torque (lb-ft)
181lb-ft @ 4000
243lb-ft @ 1600
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.5 L/152ci
2.4 L/146ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
—
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
Four Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
26 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
22 (Est)mpg
19 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
30 (Est)mpg
24 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
17.7gal
18.2gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
195.9in
213in
Width (in)
75in
76.9in
Height (in)
66.9in
74in
Wheelbase (in)
118.3in
131.9in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3900lbs
4375lbs
Cargo Volume (cu ft)
27cu ft
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
3500lbs
3500lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
—
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
—
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
—
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Hyundai Santa Cruz
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Tacoma
Fuel Economy
Santa Cruz
Value
Santa Cruz
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Hyundai Santa Cruz
Better fuel economy (26 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($29,750)
Few notable weaknesses
Toyota Tacoma
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (22 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Santa Cruz or Tacoma?
The Santa Cruz gets 26 mpg est. and the Tacoma gets 22 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Santa Cruz is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Santa Cruz or Tacoma?
The Santa Cruz produces 191hp @ 6100 and 181lb-ft @ 4000 of torque while the Tacoma delivers 228hp @ 6000 and 243lb-ft @ 1600 of torque. The Tacoma is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Santa Cruz and Tacoma?
The Santa Cruz starts from $29,750 and the Tacoma from $32,445. The Santa Cruz is cheaper by $2,695 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Santa Cruz or Tacoma?
The Santa Cruz has a braked towing capacity of 3500lbs and the Tacoma can tow 3500lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Santa Cruz or the Tacoma?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.